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United Arab Emirates Visa for Canada Citizens 2026

Visa Free

Canadian citizens can enter the United Arab Emirates visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, stamped in on arrival with no advance visa application required.

Guide last updated September 30, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.
  • No visa or advance application required for stays up to 90 days.
  • Proof of onward or return travel.
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address) and sufficient funds for your stay.
  • No biometrics required for the free entry stamp, though facial recognition/smart gates are used at major UAE airports for efficient processing.
  • Travel health insurance is recommended, and mandatory if applying for any residency status.

Visa types

  • Visa-free entry (used by nearly all Canadian tourists and business visitors): up to 90 days, multiple entries permitted, no fee, extendable by leaving and re-entering or via an in-country extension.
  • Extension of Stay: an additional 90 days can be applied for in-country through UAE ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) smart services, fee approximately AED 650-1,150 depending on duration.
  • Residency Visa (work, investment, retirement, Golden Visa, etc.): separate long-term application requiring sponsorship or investment documentation.

Entry conditions

  • Canadians may stay in the UAE visa-free for up to 90 days per entry for tourism, business meetings, or family visits.
  • Working is not permitted on the visa-free entry - the UAE actively enforces this and unauthorized work can lead to fines or deportation.
  • Immigration officers may ask for your return ticket or hotel confirmation, particularly for stays that appear extended or irregular.
  • An in-country extension for an additional period can be requested online before your initial 90 days expire, avoiding the need to leave and re-enter.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa-free entry: no fee, no processing time - stamped in (or scanned via smart gate) on arrival.
  • In-country extension: approximately AED 650-1,150 (about CAD 235-420) depending on duration requested, processed online within a few business days via the ICP smart services app or website.
  • No VFS/BLS or embassy visit is needed for the standard tourist entry.

Tips for Canada travelers

  • Register for UAE smart gates or use e-Gate services if visiting frequently, since Canadian passport holders are generally eligible and it significantly speeds up airport processing.
  • Avoid any paid local work or informal business activity while on the tourist entry - UAE authorities enforce this strictly and it's a common cause of legal trouble for visitors.
  • If you want to extend beyond 90 days, apply through the ICP smart services platform before your stamp expires rather than risking an overstay, which carries daily fines.
  • Be aware that UAE laws around conduct, dress, and substances (including some prescription medications) are strict and different from Canadian norms - check restricted medication lists before you travel.
  • Dubai and Abu Dhabi see huge seasonal demand around events like Expo-related conferences, New Year's, and major holidays - book accommodation early during these periods.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.